Functional Exercise simulating a major earthquake emergency

Within the framework of the foreseen activities of the PIS.A.R.T.E. project, on May 22nd 2010 has taken place a Functional Exercise in Calambrone, nearby Pisa. The scenario has simulated a major earthquake occurred in a fictious Republic Democratic of Tremora situated in the Mediterranean area.
During the Exercise, the PIS.A.R.T.E. Macromodule, building up from the Advanced Medical Post with Surgery (AMP-S) and the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) modules with the logistic support of the Italian Red Cross-Pisa Section and the Municipality of Pisa, has simulated all the real aspects including the loading phases in an aircraft, with the cooperation of the 46 Air Brigade of Pisa.
Once arrived in Tremora, the PIS.A.R.T.E. team had to cope with a seriously damaged hospital and had have been involved in a double emergency to save victims from the debris and to set up the AMP as soon as possible. In order to create a real scenario, the local associations of volunteers, that are normally present in a major emergency, have been also involved.
The objectives of the Exercise have been:
­ testing, through the audit methodology, the 1st Draft of the PIS.A.R.T.E. Protocol Manual
­ testing means, equipment and tools of the PIS.A.R.T.E. Macromodule.